UNIVERSITY PARK (CBSDFW.COM) – A new study from researchers at Southern Methodist University found that arguments between couples may negatively impact bonds between children and parents.

Researchers discovered that when parents reported higher tension levels or conflict in their marriage, the interaction with their child, during that time, was also greatly strained. This was more commonly experienced in fathers, who pushed greater amounts of stress onto relationships in family life, according to the study.

Overall mothers were more likely to compartmentalize issues than fathers in a bad marriage.

The study reinforced the need for parents to address their issues in a healthy, fast and effective way. It pointed out what some may say is the obvious — that arguing in front of your children will deeply affect their moods and development into happy, healthy adults.